THE

PROTECTORS Sydney Smith

The PROTECTORS

By Sydney Smith

Designed to be Worthy 2015

Edited and Published by: Designed To Be Worthy 102 W.McElhaney Road Taylors, SC 29687

Copyright 2015 Designed To Be Worthy.

All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. First printing April, 2015

Dedicated to

My amazing sister Abby, who is my

inspiration for Arden.

Acknowledgements:

I’d like to thank my awesome family Dave, Shawn, Abby and Hayley Smith for encouraging me to keep writing, even when it was hard. I also appreciate their proof reading and advice.

I would also like to thank Vanguard Homeschool Academy and Mrs. Wong, the director, because of the opportunity VHA provides.

Thank you to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for allowing VHA to use their classrooms.

I also would like to thank my classmates. Lastly, I can’t express my gratitude enough to Mrs. Husman for her patience and kindness through the weeks of teaching me how to write.

Thank you all.

CHAPTER 1

Arden blinked at the bright sun. It scorched

her skin, causing sweat to trickle down her cheeks. She

wandered aimlessly around the abandoned college

grounds. Her stomach growled, so she grasped her

starving belly. What she would give for some Arby’s

curly fries.

She looked down, dreading the lonely summer

days ahead. During the last three years she had

completed all of her summer classes. Arden was

thankful for this because this year she was completely

exhausted.

She worked her butt off, preparing for her

physical therapy degree at medical school. Missing

school activities was hard, but Arden knew it would be

worth it.

Sighing, she moved sorrowfully to her old

motorcycle. The raggedy vehicle was given to her three

years ago from a secret admirer. Hopping on the seat,

Arden gripped the gas pedal and drove away, her little

bike spitting and spattering along.

When she finally reached her humble

apartment, the sun was setting. It was peaceful as the

sun shone a yellowish orange. The trees became a

silhouette while shadows swallowed the earth. After

parking her bike, Arden climbed the stairs to her room.

It was a nice quiet place, but it wasn’t far from

necessities.

Once she reached her floor, Arden slowly

walked down the narrow hallway. Everything was quiet

and the whole world seemed to be under a sleeping

spell. She turned to face her door while rummaging

through her keys trying to find the correct one.

Her eyes moved to the door. Suddenly, a cold,

sick feeling sunk to her stomach. Arden no longer felt

peaceful, instead she felt pure dread. Scratch marks

shone on the silver door handle indicating it had been

picked open.

Arden quickly examined the door and its

surroundings. A small strand of brown hair stuck out of

the key whole. The piece was longer and darker than

hers.

Taking a breath, Arden silently placed her bag

on the floor and readied herself for an attack. While

cautiously entering the darkness, Arden dared not turn

on the lights.

CHAPTER 2

The second Arden stepped inside her home, she

noticed her magazines, slightly tilted to the right. There

was also an unfamiliar aroma. It was a mix between,

mud, sweat, and gunpowder. The scent of gunpowder

flooded her mind with unwanted memories.

Peering around the corner into the kitchen,

Arden saw a small strip of light shining through a

window. Leaning her body into the room, she looked

deeper. Nothing. Her stomach twisted and turned,

making it impossible to concentrate. Then she observed

the back door. Once again, nothing; her nerves were

getting the best of her.

Then, she carefully entered the back room; a

tall shadowy figure stood there. Arden carefully

approached, her heart pounding with anxiety. He stood

in the center of the room, calm and perfectly at ease. It

crossed Arden’s mind that perhaps she was in the

wrong apartment, but she knew the truth. The closer

she got to him, the more Arden realized the shadowy

figure was the back of a woman.

Arden attacked the girl from behind, but

shockingly, the girl blocked the hold. Arden kicked at

her head, but she blocked again. Barely a second had

passed when the girl threw a fist towards Arden. She

quickly ducked, then tried to do a side kick. The girl

anticipated the move and flew out of the way, causing

Arden to lose her balance.

Arden’s heart raced in her chest. She felt the

adrenalin pump through her veins. She quickly

rebalanced herself and continued the struggle. A sheer

moment of panic struck Arden as the girl’s foot flew

toward her head. The stranger had perfect form, and

everything she did was flawless.

The darkness made it hard to see exactly where

she was, but Arden lashed out at anything moving. The

intruder seemingly did the same. A small light shined

on Arden’s face, blinding her and giving the intruder the

advantage to strike. Arden quickly threw her hands up,

sensing the throw, but it was too late. She felt an

instant pain strike her forehead. Dizziness filled her

mind, and agony flowed through her body. Arden didn’t

know if she was bleeding, but she did know she had to

keep fighting.

Arden tried to stabilize herself, but the intruder

flung Arden into the other room and struck her again.

The second blow knocked Arden to all fours. Barely able

to breathe, fear plunged into her soul, but it didn’t

matter, she forced herself to get up. She gathered all

the strength she had and continued to fight. Arden

gathered up every ounce of will power and elbowed the

girl squarely in the face.

A loud angry moan escaped the girl’s lips. Then,

to get back at Arden, the girl landed a punch at her

neck. Arden didn’t know if she could take much more

of this, she didn’t think she could make it this far. Arden

knew the girl was better, she knew it was just a matter

of time before she was finished.

Arden’s life flashed before her eyes. She

remembered her family, her friends, and any flashes of

happiness she had. Then, the girl swung her leg around

Arden’s. Her head slammed on the cold, wooden floor.

She took in a deep breath, closing her eyes as she felt

the intruder’s body pinned her down.

The intruder’s knees dug themselves deeply

into Arden’s sides. She gasped; she was beaten all over.

Her head and body screamed at her for relief, but none

came. She felt the intruder as she gripped her hands

onto Arden’s wrists and seize them tightly. She was

caught dead.

CHAPTER 3

The intruder’s grip tightened. A moan escaped

Arden’s mouth as she tried to wiggle her way out.

Arden struggled with everything in her. The burglar sat

still, patiently waiting for something. Arden didn’t know

who was on top of her, or why they were trying to kill

her. Fear struck Arden’s heart like a sword; she ached

from the intense battle.

She felt sweat drip down her face and neck.

She tried to fill her lungs with air, but the weight of the

woman on top of her made this impossible. Is this how

I’m going to die? Arden thought. She had believed she

was safe. She had thought she could finally be alone

and away from her demons. Arden had finally been

fitting in; she had friends. This was going to be her end

though; an aching pain rumbled in her gut.

She was breathing heavily, and the cold wood

against her sore head only caused more agony. Then, in

her final attempt to break free, she noticed the

stranger’s face in a streak of light. The light revealed

familiar dark brown eyes. That rounded face, and long

brown hair she knew. This was her long lost sister.

In a croaked and shaky tone, Arden whispered,

“Alex?”

CHAPTER 4

“Whoa there,” Alex said with a cheesy grin. She

stared into Arden’s dark eyes. Her mouth hung wide

open; she couldn’t believe her eyes. Her arms and

hands were trembling from the shock.

Alex toppled onto the floor and stood. She

reached her hand out to Arden, still on the floor, but

Arden ignored the gesture. She rolled over on one side

and used her left arm to push herself off the floor. The

whole time, she stared at Alex, shaking her head.

Questions flooded her mind. She couldn’t believe what

she saw. Alex stood there, completely calm, acting like

it was an ordinary day and as if nothing had happened

between them.

Arden hadn’t seen her in three years, she barely

recognized her. Alex had definitely grown up. Arden

didn’t care about that though. Why was Alex here?

There had to be a reason, and the reason couldn’t be

good. She wanted Alex out of her apartment, even if

she had to kick Alex out.

Arden could feel her blood boil, but she tried to

calm herself. “What on earth are you doing here?” she

asked, taking a pause between each word. Alex, who

had been staring at the floor, tilted her head up. She

looked straight at Arden, and then she headed to the

wall.

Alex flipped the light on, and the whole room lit

up. She leaned on the wall, placing one foot behind the

other. She crossed her arms and stared at Arden.

Arden could now see her sister clearly. Guns, knives

and other weapons covered her belt which rested nicely

on her hip. She also noticed a black and blue watch

that sat peacefully on her wrist. Arden knew it was a

communication device.

Alex seemed to scan Arden as well. It had been

three years, and she realized she must have changed a

good bit too. Alex sighed then spoke. “I need to talk to

you.”

Arden knew there was more to it. She stood in

silence, still unable to swallow the situation. Alex took

in a deep breath, and then confidently walked to the

couch. She seated herself comfortably on the chair,

leaning back into it while crossing her legs. Alex’s arms

placed themselves onto her head and she once again

spoke. “This is a nice place you’ve got.”

Arden slowly nodded, still unsure of what to

think. She wanted Alex gone. Wherever she went,

trouble followed. “I see you’re still the same old Arden,”

Alex commented, noticing her sister still examining her.

Alex sat up and placed her elbows on her knees, her

chin gently resting in her hands.

“I knew you would notice the slightest change

in here, plus I figured, why not play a little game,” she

said as she pointed to the magazines she had tilted.

And the strand of hair, she had placed it on the door

knob.

“Your game was foolish, and it scared me to

death!” Arden snapped back at her. She couldn’t hold

in the anger anymore. She couldn’t believe Alex was so

childish; one of them could have gotten killed. She

didn’t like that Alex was here; she knew it was only a

matter of time until Alex needed something of hers.

CHAPTER 5

Alex sat back into her chair, looking very

uncomfortable and uneasy. She moved her eyes around

the room, avoiding eye contact with Arden. She would

glance down from time to time, checking her watch

while waiting for someone to speak. At last, Alex got up

and walked to the door, looking annoyed and inpatient.

Arden walked to her and stared into Alex’s eyes

as she sought some answers.

“You know why I’m here,” Alex said as she

turned to face her sister. Arden was actually surprised

with the seriousness in her tone, and the sadness that

covered her face. Arden, unmoved by the words, still

glared, not saying a word.

Alex sheepishly staggered back to the chair and

sat down once again. She leaned back, trying to get

comfortable, but still looked uneasy. Arden seated

herself nicely on the couch and motioned for Alex to

continue in her explanation.

“Mom and Dad are on a case,” Arden rolled her

eyes; she could have guessed this was coming. As if she

didn’t notice Arden’s rude gesture, Alex continued.

“They can’t help me, and I need your help with this

one,” Alex said, desperation lacing in her tone. Arden

couldn’t believe it, no way. She had given up crime

fighting for good, and she was NEVER going back.

Arden stood up with rage coursing in her and

stalked to the door. She yanked it opened, holding her

hand out for Alex to leave. She would never go back.

She wanted to kill Alex. Arden couldn’t believe the

nerve Alex had in showing her face again.

“You don’t get it do you?” Alex asked as she

stood up harshly, obviously not giving up. She walked

to Arden, scowling, and spoke again.

“I need you. It’s Sally; she’s been kidnapped. Her

parents need our help to find her.”

CHAPTER 6

Arden glared at Alex. It couldn’t be, not Sally,

she…she couldn’t be. She hastily went toward Alex,

grabbing her by the shoulders and shaking her slightly.

“You’re lying. You’re just saying that to get me to go on

this wild goose chase, just for it to end in some stupid

prank!” She yelled, tears threatening her eyes.

Alex calmly stood, staring into Arden’s eyes.

Then Alex spoke, steadily. “You tell me, Sherlock, am I

lying?” There was a pause between them, and Arden let

go of Alex’s shoulders. Arden looked at the ground,

thinking about what to do. She knew Alex wasn’t lying,

it was written all over her face. She promised herself

that she would never go back, but… it was Sally. Sally.

“Look,” Alex spoke as she walked outside the

door, “I need your help. I can’t do this alone.”

Arden’s eyes and body moved to squarely face her

sister. Arden knew Alex could handle the case; after all,

they had been raised to solve crime. Their parents were

the most famous and beloved detectives, or was it

spies, in the world. If anyone could solve this case,

Arden knew Alex could. At the same time, she couldn’t

let Sally be alone out there. She took a deep breath.

She looked at Alex, who was rubbing her lips together,

clearly anticipating negative response from Arden.

Then, she spoke her decision: “Let’s go rescue Sally.”

CHAPTER 7

On a backroad in the middle of the country,

Alex’s black 1970 Cadillac ripped through the highway.

Leaves and dirt flew behind them. Alex nodded her

head to the beat of the music which hadn’t stopped

playing since the moment they left Florida. She sang

and hummed along while thinking about what had

happened.

She hadn’t seen Arden in three years, and it

almost felt unreal to be with her again. She chuckled to

herself as she remembered the shock on Arden’s face

when she realized it was her, Alex. They had been

driving for two full days. They were now on their third,

but going strong. They had been working fervently and

quickly on making calls, examining case files, and

studying patterns.

Since they had begun working, they had

discovered that there had been 5 missing girls in the

past months. Each girl had red hair and was

somewhere in her twenties. Arden had called Sally’s

parents. She asked them if Sally had been acting

strangely, or if anything stood out to them. However,

everything was in order, and they couldn’t think of

anything. Arden tried to hide it, but she was obviously

discouraged.

Alex glanced over at Arden and scanned her;

she couldn’t believe how much she had changed. Arden

had put red and black highlights in her hair, which nicely

complemented her brown hair. She was wearing a light

cream colored sweater with her jeans, and black high

tops and a black beanie hat completed the outfit.

Arden was intently studying her computer,

going over anything that might possibly stand out. She

had gone over everything at least a thousand times. It

worried Alex how hard Arden was working. She had

barely eaten or slept at all since they had been gone.

Alex knew this was important to Arden, but she didn’t

want her to work herself into the ground.

Then, throwing her hands in the air with

frustration, Arden looked over at Alex and picked up

one of her cd’s.

“You really need to change your music choices.

Chicago, really?” Arden put the cd back, and gently

rubbed her temples while closing her eyes, trying to

relax.

“Chicago, yes, and all my music is awesome,”

Alex said loudly, trying to scare her older sister. She

was offended that Arden could say such a thing. Alex

turned the volume nob up, and then she sang the lyrics

to “Inspiration” as loudly as she could. Arden looked at

her, annoyed. She shook her head and mumbled

something about how Alex was unbelievable.

Shrugging, Alex ignored her and commented.

“Besides, you’re not supposed to be judging my taste in

music; you’re supposed to be on your little computer

doing nerd stuff.” Alex flicked Arden’s head with her

thumb and forefinger. Arden turned to her, frustrated.

“I’m getting into the police system to find out all I can

about the missing persons in the last month.”

Alex laughed. Arden couldn’t take a joke, she

was way too serious. Alex had never been accused of

being the smart type. She was good at picking locks and

fighting, but not at school, which was just a torture

chamber for teens. Arden, however, was the honor

student. She was a little genius! She could solve huge

algebra equations in her head and breezed through

without even a struggle in any subject. This drove Alex

crazy because it wasn’t fair that Arden was so smart.

However, she was happy that someone would

understand those big words.

Arden broke the silence, not realizing Alex’s

depth of thought. “It says here that all the victims went

to a movie the night they disappeared.” As she spoke,

Arden pointed to the computer screen. Alex squinted

her eyes at Arden and then looked back at the road.

Alex wanted to study the files, but there was no

way she was going to risk it. This car was her baby, and

no one could drive it, and no one could hurt it. She

loved it so much she had given it had a name. The

second she bought it, the car was referred to as

“Spidey,” named after Spider-Man, of course.

Alex’s mind jumped back to the present, where

she saw Arden looking out the window, lost in concern.

Alex understood how much Arden loved Sally. They had

been best friends for a long time. A touch of guilt

threatened Alex’s heart. She knew it was almost mean

to bring Arden along on this case, but Alex knew it

would be just as wrong not to bring her along.

Alex’s mind jerked into panic when she thought

of what might happen if Arden got hurt. Alex could

never live if something like that were to happen. She

hadn’t slept for the last few nights because in her mind

she had been examining every possible situation and

some way to escape it. Alex would do anything to see

Arden and Sally safe; it didn’t matter how much it cost.

“Hey, check it out!” Arden said excitedly.

Alex jumped, not expecting the loud burst of

enthusiasm.

“What?” she asked as coolly as she could.

“Each victim had seen a specific movie.”

“You said that already,” Alex said, feeling very

let down.

“I know I did, but guess which one.” Arden

continued, still excited.

“Oh, don’t tell me…um...Veggie Tales,” Alex

said, waiting for the reply.

Arden, however, was not amused. Captain

America: The Winter Soldier.

The car slammed on the brakes, causing them

both to jerk forward. Alex was so excited. She couldn’t

wait to see that movie. She loved the Avengers, and

Captain America was her favorite, no need to mention

how cute she found Chris Evans.

“Why did you do that?” asked Arden, smacking

her sister on the back of the head.

“Hey!” Alex said as she evaded the rudeness.

She continued back on the road, ignoring Arden’s

question. Arden knew the answer to her question, but

she wouldn’t say it. Arden had already brought up her

obsession with movies a thousand times.

They drove a little ways further, both thinking

about their journey ahead. Arden closed her laptop and

leaned on the door, staring out the window. Alex

glanced at Arden every so often to make sure she was

alright. Alex had stopped thinking about the case and

now her mind was focused fully on Captain America.

She couldn’t think about anything else. Well, she was

also thinking about ice cream and pizza. She grunted as

she felt her stomach growl. Her tongue licked her lips as

she imagined a giant bowl of chocolate ice cream with

Oreos on the side.

Her mind came back into focus as her eyes

examined the Philadelphia sign in the distance. She

gently tapped on Arden’s shoulder, her eyes trained on

the road. Alex felt a sick feeling creeping into her gut.

This might have to be her first case alone, and what if

she couldn’t solve it? What if she couldn’t save Sally?

CHAPTER 8

They arrived in Philadelphia about 10:00 o’clock

that night. They pulled into a quaint hotel outside the

city. Their room was on the second floor, and it had a

beautiful view of the city. Alex immediately ordered

pizza; her stomach couldn’t take it anymore. Arden was

busy unpacking her suitcase, which held mostly

computers and other technical things. Alex sat herself

comfortably on the bed and ate to her heart’s content.

Meanwhile, Arden examined her knife

collection, insuring herself they were ready to use.

She’d given up guns long ago, and she didn’t plan on

using them again. Memories of that horrific night

consumed her, but she swallowed hard and pushed

them aside.

Because she had given up guns and she knew

she still would need some sort of weapon for self-

defense besides her fists, she bought a few throwing

knives and stars. She was feeling very un-easy about

this whole thing, especially since she hadn’t practiced

with these potentially lethal things. Doubt spread

through her, but she had to do it for Sally as long as she

didn’t die first from Alex’s rambling and sarcasm. Alex

had barely spent a moment in silence over the last

three days. She sang constantly, at least when she

wasn’t eating.

Basically, Alex annoyed Arden to no end. Arden

couldn’t wait to be back home, alone and she was

exceptionally uneasy about the case. What if she made

the same mistakes? What if Sally was already dead?

Arden jumped. A sudden loud noise blasted from Alex’s

ipod, which came on at full blast.

Being raised as a spy haunted her. She hated

how she had been forced to train hours at a time, how

her family had moved from place to place, never

settling into a real home. When she was ten, her

parents had tied her up and put her in the trunk of a

car, forcing Arden to work herself out. It had taken her

four hours. She hated all of it, all of spy life.

Alex, on the other hand, was her parents’

favorite. She did whatever they said. She did whatever

they did. She got herself out of the trunk in 15 minutes.

Alex could pick a lock in less time than it took to say,

“pizza.” It was so unfair. Arden let her eyes fix upon

Alex, who sat on the bed planning something in her

head.

Arden sighed as she remembered Sally. When

they were kids, Sally would choose to play with her.

Sally never seemed to mind the other kids talking

behind their backs or making fun of them. Even when

Arden’s family moved, Sally kept in touch. Arden didn’t

like it, but she was going to be there for Sally.

CHAPTER 9

Arden’s mind wandered to the first time she

met Sally.

+++

Arden stood alone in the hall way, scared out of

her mind. This was her first time in a real school. Her

stomach ached as she saw other high school students

rush to class, leaving her alone. She looked around as

she saw different class rooms, but she just didn’t know

which one to go to. She looked around for help from

any one.

Then a girl with red hair and freckles

approached her. She was wearing a cute, short, blue

dress with a white shrug. She was very tall and skinny;

in fact, she was one of the prettiest girls Arden had seen

in a long time.

“Hi, my name’s Sally Klass. What’s your name?”

She reached her hand out to shake Arden’s.

“Arden Smith,” she muttered.

She shook Sally’s hand, but continued looking at

the floor, scared to make eye contact. Arden felt sick to

her stomach, and she wanted to run and hide in a hole.

“Hey, are you lost?” Sally asked, smiling.

Arden wanted to cry. She didn’t know what to

do; it was her first day, and already she seemed to be

acting like an idiot. She still stared at the ground, barely

hanging on. She felt a lump in her throat forming as

tears threatened to gush from her eyes.

“Well, I’m lost, Sally said with a laugh, “so I was

wondering if you wanted to find where on earth we’re

supposed to go.” Arden looked up to see Sally’s

beautiful smile. For the first time, Arden smiled back at

her.

“Great, how do they expect us to find anything

around here since there’s no map,” Sally said

sarcastically, causing Arden to chuckle. She looked so

ridiculous as she made funny faces pretending to be

crazy. They wandered around the school until they

found the principal’s office. “I’m sure they can help us.

Oh, hey,” she interjected, “I’m having a birthday party

this Saturday, you want to come?” Arden was so

shocked by this request she just stood there like an

idiot.

Sally laughed. “I’ll take that as a yes. I’ll see you

then, oh, and don’t worry about gifts; I don’t want any.

I’m making every one not bring me one,” she smiled.

She then went into the office’s double doors to ask

where they should go.

+++

Arden felt the memories disappear as she came

back to the present. Sally’s birthday was the best thing

that had ever happened to her. Sally would always sit

by her at lunch. Sally became more and more popular,

but it didn’t matter. She always hung out with Arden,

no matter what.

CHAPTER 10

Arden could tell Alex was a little uneasy about

the case. She kept eating and humming to herself, but

that didn’t fool Arden. Who wouldn’t be worried, with

five missing girls in the last month; that’s not normal.

No one knew what they were about to face.

The two sisters had always helped their parents, and

the four of them had made a great team. Her mind

wandered back to the fun times when she was a

teenager. She and Alex had crazy stunts. Alex was

always jumping into things without thinking, but Arden

was always there to pull her back. Together they solved

the crime cases they were given. They were little cases,

like who stole the chocolate bar, but fun cases,

nevertheless. This was their first big case and doubt flooded

Arden’s mind. Alex seemed so calm, but then Arden’s

gaze strayed to Alex’s hand which gently patted her

watch.

Looking back at her sister and the pizza, Arden

asked, “Is it good?”

Alex’s mouth was full, but she nodded. Arden

reached her hand into the box and pulled out a hot

piece of pepperoni pizza. She took a bite; delicious

flavor filled her mouth. Arden had no idea she was so

hungry. She took three more gigantic bites. She looked

up to see Alex smiling at her. Arden could just hear Alex

saying, “I told you so,” but actually, Alex made no peep.

Alex pulled out the case file, and examined it

carefully. “I think our first step should be to head to

Sally’s job,” Alex said as she pointed to the movie store

in the file.

Arden nodded, knowing that was their only

possible move right now. Arden opened her laptop to

see if she had missed anything, knowing that even the

smallest detail could mean solving or not solving this

case.

As she scrolled over the same article again, a

hand closed her laptop. Alex stared at her, then shook

her head. “You need sleep; we can work on this in the

morning.” Alex walked to the fridge and placed the

nearly empty pizza box neatly on a shelf. Slowly, she

climbed into bed, pulling in one foot after another.

Arden finally surrendered to the will of her

sister and did the same. The bright lights that

surrounded them were replaced with utter darkness.

As Arden closed her eyes, trying with everything in her

being to sleep, Alex spoke quietly saying, “Arden, we’re

going to save Sally.”

CHAPTER 11

Alex and Arden had both set the alarms for five

the next morning. They ate a quick breakfast and

rushed themselves to get ready for the day. They both

wanted to get an early start on the case. As they

walked over to the exit, Arden spoke with a smirk, “Oh,

don’t tell me we’re going to ride in your old excuse for a

car.” These words cut Alex, but she ignored her sister.

Sensing Arden’s embarrassment over being so

hateful, Arden spoke again. “Well, it’s better than my

beat-up, old motor cycle, that’s for sure.” Alex stopped

cold in her tracks. Her heart ached inside her. She felt

anger, and sadness fill her soul. Without saying

anything, Alex went toward Spidey.

As the two walked towards Spidey, they heard a

man shout, “Alex!” Alex didn’t move; she left her hands

on the keys which were slightly tilted in the car’s lock.

She immediately recognized the hurtful deep voice of

the man.

A tall, muscular gentleman with sandy blond

hair sprinted toward them as he again called out Alex’s

name. He was a little out of breath when he reached

them, but a huge grin decorated his face. His beautiful,

sparkling blue eyes smiled at them, yet Alex stood

stone- faced. She wasn’t going to fall for those eyes

again. The nerve he had to show his face to her. Anger

and malice welled up inside her, and feelings she didn’t

know existed swallowed her whole.

He stood calmly with his hands on his hips

which were touching his big, green, poofy coat. “Alex, I

haven’t seen you in ages. How’ve you been?” He

greeted, grinning at her.

Oh, how she missed his smile, his kindness, his…

She stopped herself. No, he was not to be trusted. She

would not let him get away with what he had done.

Alex folded her arms crossly. Without saying a

word, she dared him to continue.

He looked to the side and licked his lips. He was

clearly regretting his decision to come. “So, who’s

this?” he asked, pointing to Arden and trying to make

the tension disappear. There was a moment of silence,

and then Arden reached her hand forward. “I’m Arden

Smith, Alex’s sister.” Arden was stupidly smiling, giving

Alex an “oh my gosh, he’s cute” look here and there.

The two shook hands, and he smilingly said, “I

should have known. You two could be twins. I’m Sam

Morgan.” Alex swallowed. She remembered the first

time she had heard that name.

A new trainee had signed up to go on a murder

case. He had no idea what to do. Alex remembered

trying to teach him how to interrogate someone. Every

time he opened his mouth, Alex burst out in laughter.

He was so friendly and fun to be around. His

insecurities made him even more special.

He had a nervous twitch where he would rub

his hands over his messy hair. It was so endearing;

every time he did it, Alex had to smile. Going on cases

together had been so much fun. Sam always had her

back. They were a good team.

She remembered one time when they were

hanging off a building...

Alex spoke to him in a trembling tone. “If we

die, it won’t be your fault. I could never have asked for a

better partner.”

Sam spoke in a quiet tone saying, “Alex, I’m

sorry. I’m so sorry, … but I can’t.” Alex readied herself to

catch him if he let go. However, a loud noise from Sam

filled the air. She couldn’t breathe the smell was so

rotten.

Alex wanted to laugh at this memory, but the

last case they had worked together weaseled itself back

into her mind. She realized the three of them had been

standing there in awkward silence. Arden tossed

glances at Alex, wishing her to speak. Alex couldn’t do

it; she couldn’t let go of what had happened.

Sam checked his watched and then looked up in

the sky. “I should get going; it was nice to meet you,

Arden, and nice to see you, Alex.” He waved goodbye

and jogged to the hotel door.

Alex could feel Arden’s cold stare; however, she

ignored it and hopped into Spidey. She shook her head

to refocus and tried to concentrate on the day ahead.

They had to find Sally.

CHAPTER 12

The drive to where Sally worked had been a

quiet one. Alex had once again played her music as

loud as she could, but Arden could tell Alex was ignoring

it. Arden readied herself for her first interrogation in

three years.

When they arrived at Movie Kingdom, the two

hopped out of the car and headed toward the quaint

shop in front of them. As they neared the door, Alex

moved in close to Arden. “You question the managers

while I check around the place.” She spoke so quietly

Arden almost missed it.

Once inside the shop Alex disappeared around

back while Arden rang a silver bell which rested neatly

on the front desk. An old lady wearing a blue flowered

dress came to the desk. A man, equally old and wearing

khaki pants and a green striped collared shirt, followed

slowly behind her.

The woman smiled at Arden and motioned for

her to speak. “I’m a friend of Sally’s, and I was

wondering if you knew exactly when she disappeared.”

Arden spoke as clearly as she could, making sure they

could hear her. The women looked slightly confused but

answered anyway.

“A week ago. Who again are you?” Edith asked.

The man, who was Bill Peterson, stood in the corner

leaning on a wall and in a daze. Arden Edith just

watched him out of the corner of her eye. Sally had

mentioned her bosses; she had said they were nice, old,

and kind. She never really talked about them. She only

made a remark here or there.

“I’m an old friend. Her parents asked me to

come,” Arden answered.

“Oh, I see.” She took a pause and then said with

a sigh, “It really is a shame, all these young ladies going

missing. It’s so peculiar…” Her voice trailed off, as if it

was focusing on something completely unrelated.

Arden could tell this was going to take a while.

She glanced at the bottom of the woman’s dress. It had

mildew on the hem. She concluded the lady must have

been in a basement or a food cellar. Then she noticed

Billy had the same sooty mildew on his shoes and khaki

pants. Must be their home or where they keep the

movies is damp, Arden thought, trying to focus back on

the questions.

However, Arden could hear Alex’s voice in her

head. “Well done, Sherlock, you’ve noticed mildew on

their clothes. Try to find something useful, won’t you.”

Arden hated that name, Sherlock.

“Sally did go see that movie,” Edith said

breaking Arden’s thoughts. “You mean, The Winter

Soldier?” Arden asked, making sure to cross all her t’s

and dot all her i’s.

“What, oh no, that movie always gets canceled

on a certain night and…” She paused as Arden’s showed

surprise.

“What movie did they see?” Arden asked, moving

closer to the desk.

“A mystery film. It’s about a haunted house and

a young detective...oh, what’s her name, uh… Nancy,

Nancy Drew was the movie.”

“Nancy Drew.” Arden repeated. There was a

long pause as Arden’s mind wandered to the case.

Nancy Drew was a new film, but it wasn’t supposed to

be out yet. She hadn’t remembered reading this on the

case file. She and Alex had triple checked it, so she

couldn’t understand how they had missed it. Then they

heard a loud crash from the other side of the store.

All of them ran around the corner to find Alex

holding about six movies in one hand and a whole row

on the floor.

Alex smiled with embarrassment; her face was

turning redder by the minute. She gently put the

movies she was holding back on the shelf, all the while

smiling at Edith and Billy. Edith was not amused. She

crossed her arms and scowled at her so harshly it

almost made Arden laugh.

“Excuse me, what are you doing?” Edith asked

curtly.

“Oh,” Alex said with a hoarse tone. “I was, uh…,

looking for a very particular movie.” Alex glanced at

Arden, pleading for help, but Arden just chuckled. Alex

had gotten herself into this mess, and she was going to

be getting herself out. Alex stood in silence, not

knowing what to say, so she just stood there smiling like

an idiot. Finally, the manager kicked them out, yelling at

them. Arden couldn’t catch a word of it because she

was too busy laughing her head off at her sister.

CHAPTER 13

The two walked to Spidey. Arden couldn’t stop

laughing. She thought she was going to have an

accident. Alex, however, was humiliated. “You get out

of here, ya little she devil!” mocked Arden as she

quoted the words Edith had said.

“Yeah, yeah, laugh it up… it wasn’t funny,

though,” Alex said, trying to act cool, but clearly still

feeling uncomfortable.

“I can’t believe after all this time, you’re still the

same. You never think,” Arden said as she opened the

car door.

“Why didn’t you help me?” Alex asked. Arden

was surprised by the spite in her voice.

“You got yourself in, and you can get yourself

out,” Arden said coldly.

Alex then answered as coolly as she could, “It

was pretty cool though. Did I look like Ethan Hunt in

Mission Impossible.” She gave Arden a wink and a

smile.

“Why does everything have to be movie related

to you? I was working while you were playing!

Arden could tell Alex was ready to punch her,

but she didn’t care.

Alex let out a laugh, quipping, “You, getting

good information, please. I found out, while you were

having your little heart to heart, that the movie they

were actually seeing was...”

“Nancy Drew,” Arden interrupted, staring Alex

down. Arden couldn’t be more pleased with herself.

She was more capable than Alex gave her credit.

Alex stiffened up, and scowled at Arden.

“You had to do it, didn’t you? You just couldn’t

resist.”

Before she hopped into her seat, she

responded, “It felt good.”

However, when she sat down, she heard Alex

mumble, “God, help me to not kill her.”

CHAPTER 14

They drove in silence for a while, neither one

feeling like talking. Alex was still furious with Arden,

and she wasn’t going to let it go that easily. It was

almost noon, but for the first time Alex wasn’t hungry.

Breaking the dead silence, Arden spoke. “So,

what’s up with that Sam guy?” Alex could tell she was

trying to be casual about it, but it didn’t work.

“Nothing,” was all Alex could muster. The

incidents of that day had been too much to handle.

“Oh, come on, spill it,” urged Arden as she

turned to her and gestured for Alex to speak.

She sighed, and repeated, “It’s nothing.”

Now frustrated, Arden demanded to hear the

story. Alex was so angry she pulled over to the side of

the road. “I said nothing, quit being so noisy. You’re

always like this, always in other people’s business,”Alex

yelled. The words came out so harshly it amazed her.

She could tell Arden was hurt by the rebuke, but she

kept talking. “You haven’t been a part of my life for

three years, and now you suddenly care. NO! I’m not

going to trust you this easily, you don’t deserve it,”

voiced Alex, releasing the last of her frustration and

anger. It felt good, but she also felt slightly guilty.

She continued, “Do you know how much I

missed you? Huh? Do you know how badly it hurt never

to hear from you? You never once called or wrote, and

I wasn’t even sure if you were alive.” She spat these

words at Arden as she shot out of the car and slammed

the door shut.

Arden, just as angry, followed her.

“You never wrote me either. You didn’t stick up

for me when I was with Mom and Dad,” she screamed

with malice.

These words ripped through Alex, but she

refused to back down. “I thought you would come

back, but, oh! You had to make a point and be

dramatic, as always,” snapped Alex even though she

wanted to stop fighting. She just couldn’t control her

tongue. One last burst pushed out of her as she asked,

“Do you know who sent that motor bike to you? Huh?

Any guesses? Me, that’s who,” she said. Alex could tell

her words surprised Arden.

“You? You gave me the worst bike in history!

You expect that to make up for everything?” Alex

asked. She rolled her eyes in disbelief at Arden. She

was being absolutely ridiculous. Alex couldn’t take it

any longer; that is why she had lost it.

CHAPTER 15

The two faced each other in cold silence after

that tirade. It sent shivers up Alex’s spine to think what

she was about to admit, but before she could stop

herself, she blurt it out.

“I was chasing Scar Face,” she gushed. Tears

stung her eyes as she spoke. She saw all the hatred

vanish from Arden’s eyes. Alex drew in a deep breath so

she could continue the explanation. “I was so close to

catching him. I had him, for you,” she said. She moved

in closer to Arden, who showed concern and surprise.

“Sam and I were on the case. We had Scar Face

cornered. Sam knew how important this was to me.

But…,” she paused, unable to continue. The memory

was punching her in the gut. She felt a lump form in her

throat. Sadness swooshed over her like a plague.

“Scar face got the drop on me….and he had me

at gun point. He demanded that Sam put down his gun.

I screamed at Sam to shoot,” she said and then paused.

However, her next words came out differently. They

carried no sorrow. They held anger. Bitterness grew

inside of her as she finished, saying, “Sam let him go,

and … we were so close, and he let Scar Face go. I

haven’t talked to him since. Now you know why,”

breathed Alex, so angry that she missed the complete

change in Arden.

Alex slowly walked back to her car. She sat

uncomfortably in her seat. Arden did the same. Neither

said a word for the rest of the ride.

CHAPTER 16

Back at the hotel Arden was finishing up the left

over pizza from the night before. Still, neither one had

spoken. They both kept to themselves and worked on

separate things. She was still swallowing everything

Alex had told her. She was ashamed at the way she had

treated her sister. She was older, and it was her

responsibility to behave better; however, Alex had been

a jerk. Plus, she had been a complete idiot. She

continued to fight with herself.

Arden was still too angry to admit her false

attitude, but she didn’t care. Alex sat quietly on her

bed pretending to be reading her Bible, but Arden could

tell she was in her own little world; Alex hadn’t turned

the page once since she had picked it up.

Arden watched as Alex placed her Bible on the

nightstand. Curious, Arden watched as Alex pulled out

her computer and examined her computer screen.

“What’s up?“ Arden questioned as she moved

to her sister’s side. Alex sighed, “I’m ordering movie

tickets for tonight since we need to get in somehow.”

Alex continued working, but Arden just stood there,

confused.

“Why did you bring me on this case?” Arden

asked while looking directly into Alex’s eyes.

Alex took a deep breath and then answered,

“Well…” Alex paused as if thinking out what would be

the best way to speak, without causing another blow up

between them.

“When I found out your friend was in trouble, I

figured you might want in.” She shrugged, and then she

muttered something so quietly Arden almost missed,

“Plus, I need your help.”

Arden looked off into space since she couldn’t

imagine why on earth Alex would ever want her help.

“You know of my past right?” Arden questioned. Alex

looked up, almost shocked by the question. “I let one of

the most dangerous serial killers go, and I froze,

allowing someone to get killed…I…,” Arden peeped.

Alex raised her hand, shushing Arden. “I trust

you Arden. You won’t make the same mistakes again,”

she assured.

The words didn’t comfort Arden. Her sides

began to ache, and she felt as if someone was choking

her. She was terrified of what they might find as they

continued searching for answers to Sally’s whereabouts.

She looked down, barely able to control her emotions.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Alex staring at

her. “I’ll never forget what he said, ”Arden added as she

parroted, “ ‘Run, run as fast as you can. You can’t catch

me; I’m the scar-faced man.’ ”

CHAPTER 17

Alex ignored her sister and moved to a brown

bag which she had hidden in the closet. Alex pulled out

a box of wigs.

“What are you doing?” Arden asked as she

moved to the bed.

“We are going to dress the part. In the file it

says only red heads get kidnapped,” informed Alex.

Arden was horrified. There was no way they

were purposely going to get themselves kidnapped.

“You’re crazy, there’s no way that’s going to work!”

Alex looked up at her and then spoke saying,

“This is our only lead. If we don’t take this chance now,

we’ll miss the movie!”

Arden shuffled back to her bed. She knew Alex

was right. After tonight, the movie wouldn’t be

showing for another three days, and time was slipping

away.

Alex tossed her an auburn wig and motioned for

her to get ready. The movie was in one hour. Arden

knew she had to follow along with the plan, even

though this would probably get them killed.

CHAPTER 18

They arrived at the movie theater just in time,

but Arden scowled. The wigs Alex had dug up were

embarrassingly fake.

“Why on earth do we have to do this?” she

begged with a frown while glaring at Alex. Arden would

get her revenge on Alex later.

“One: because it’s fun. Two: because we have

to, and three: because I like making you suffer,” Alex

quipped. She had pointed a finger for each number she

had counted. She walked away with a loud laugh of

victory. It made Arden sick.

As soon as they entered the building, two

ushers wearing red, broke into laughter. She knew they

looked hilarious. Apparently, they looked so hysterical

one usher fell over. Alex didn’t seem to mind, but

Arden was ready to damage her sister.

Arden leaned in close to Alex’s ear and

whispered, “I’m going to get you.”

CHAPTER 19

The movie itself was terrible; the graphics and

actors “stunk,” to put it in Alex’s words, and nothing out

of the ordinary happened. It had been a normal movie,

besides the laughs that escaped people’s mouths when

they saw the duo. Arden had been plotting a revenge

plan from the second they sat down.

Alex recalled that the girls had disappeared

from somewhere in the alley behind the theatre. Arden

tried to convince her once again, that this was a bad

idea. Alex shrugged and reminded her that they both

knew Taekwondo and that nothing could possibly

happen. Arden had a sudden rush of fear when they

trekked the long, dark alley.

There were trash cans and rotten pieces of food

lying everywhere. It was a typical alley, the perfect

scene for a horror film. The only light was the full moon

above them. Arden felt shivers run up and down her

spine.

Alex stayed completely alert. She walked at a usual

pace, trying to act as normal as possible, humming “Eye

of the Tiger” while her eyes were searching, glancing

back and forth. Arden hadn’t seen her concentrate that

intensely since they had watched Lord of the Rings.

Arden slowly followed behind her. It worried

Arden that Alex could look so cool and calm. Men in

black jumped out from behind the dumpsters, from out

of nowhere, grabbing both of them before they could

react.

CHAPTER 20

Arden was yanked back so hard she felt dizzy.

She looked up just in time to witness Alex racing toward

her. Alex’s knife landed a strike on the man who had

grabbed Arden. Arden admitted to herself she was out

of practice, but at that moment, she had to try

something.

Another man popped out of nowhere. He

headed straight toward Alex. A new sense of courage

swept through Arden, something she hadn’t felt for a

long time. She jumped in front of him and side kicked

him in the gut. She heard him yell out in pain, but it

didn’t matter. Next, she elbowed him in the face,

knocking him out.

A man with tuff hands grabbed her from

behind. He had her in a military hold, and she was

losing her oxygen and beginning to feel light headed.

Then, without hesitation, she threw the man over her

body, causing him to crash to the cold ground. She

finally noticed Alex punching and striking like crazy.

Then, with one final attempt, Alex kicked the man who

had seized her right in the chin. He flew back; he was

out cold.

“Next time I say it’s a good idea to get

kidnapped and ask what could go wrong, tell me I’m an

idiot,” Alex said as she and Arden exchanged a look of

gratitude. Just then, a man came from behind them

and knocked Arden out cold.

Alex screamed as she headed toward the man.

A surprise caught her; a rough hand grabbed her from

behind. He threw her into a dumpster, knocking her

unconscious.

CHAPTER 21

Alex awoke with a sharp pain in her head. She

felt dizzy and weak. Her throbbing head made it hard to

concentrate. Gasped for air, she turned to her left side

and forced herself to get up. She couldn’t remember

the last time she felt so sick to her stomach. She was

seeing doubles and triples of herself.

Alex couldn’t understand why or what she was

seeing. She almost fell over from the dizziness, and her

breathing had increased significantly. Her heart was

pounding out of her chest from fear and pain. She

blinked, trying to see clearer. Then it hit her: she was

trapped in a room of mirrors. Everywhere she turned,

she saw only herself trapped in a black room with only a

small light shining above her. Panic engulfed her, but

she refused to give in. She blinked up at the bright light

shining down on top of her. Discouraged at not finding

anything, she stared back to the floor.

She reached up and touched her head which

was bleeding slightly. She looked back up and scanned

the room carefully. Even though she was confused and

sick, her only thought was to escape and find Arden.

She couldn’t believe they had gotten caught. If Arden

was hurt, she would never forgive herself. Mistakenly,

she had thought it was a simple case; she assumed Sally

had just gotten lost or run away for some stupid reason.

This, however, was turning into a dangerous and deadly

situation.

Her mind went back to the problem at hand.

Questions filled her mind and she asked herself, “Where

am I? Where is Arden? Can I escape?” These thoughts

consumed her. Then, she noticed a slight movement in

the corner, or what she believed to be a corner. She

stared at it for several moments, yet nothing changed.

She was beginning to think she was going crazy and

seeing things. The light flickered intensely.

Alex froze. She knew someone or something was

trapped in here with her and she had no way of escape.

CHAPTER 22

Alex didn’t make a sound; she slowed her

breathing, almost to a stop, something her parents had

insisted she master. She wanted to turn around to face

what was in the corner, but she knew she couldn’t. Any

movement now would give her position away, plus she

knew staying still was her best defense if it was a deadly

animal. She waited several seconds, and nothing

happened. She thought once again, perhaps, she was

over-exaggerating, and that everything was actually

fine. Right when she was about to move, a figure

jumped out of a dark shadow at her. She jerked to the

right, barely able to digest what had just happened.

Standing in front of her was a man, or what

seemed to be a man, wearing a long black robe and

peering from a ghostly white face. She could only see

two yellow eyes glaring back at her. He let out an evil

chuckle as he grabbed his knife.

Alex stared at the figure, unsure of what to do;

she knew she was too wounded to fight. The previous

leap to the right had almost caused her to pass out.

She searched the room for any ideas or

something to protect herself with. When he lurched

forward with an evil glare, she defensively dropped to

the floor, flat on her stomach, with a loud thud. Then

she paused for a moment as a thought came to her.

Without another pause, she kicked as hard as she could

at one of the mirrors.

Glass shattered everywhere. She curled into a

little ball, covering her face from flying glass. “Arghh!”

the man screeched as he lifted his arms to cover his

face from the debris. When the glass stopped falling,

Alex glanced up to find the man huddled in a corner

stunned.

“I can’t believe that worked,” Alex thought. It

shouldn’t have, but it did. In some ways it was a

completely stupid thing to do, but it was the only thing

that had come to mind. She noticed a small hallway

through the broken mirror. The man was still

completely stiff; he seemed too scared to move.

She shrugged and walked toward the hallway. There

were doors on every side. It almost seemed to be a

doctor’s office or something. Confused, Alex asked,

“Where on earth am I?” Then the terrible thought

struck her, “Where is Arden?”

CHAPTER 23

Alex wandered aimlessly through the building.

As she searched, she found a small gun along the way. It

made her feel more confident, but she was still nervous

and scared. What started as a room of mirrors changed

into a doctor’s office of endless doors, all locked.

In exasperation, she finally kicked one down,

but instead of finding another room, she found herself

on a beach. This was becoming stranger and stranger.

Where on earth could she be? Arden could be

anywhere. She might not even be in this building, a

thought which had never occurred to her until that

moment; however, if she was in here, there was no way

she was going to find her while wasting time walking

aimlessly around.

She sat down on the sand and placed her head

in her hands. “God, I don’t know what to do…Please

help me,” she cried, a small tear escaping and falling

down her cheek.

She had finally gotten her sister back, and now

Arden was wrapped in potentially serious trouble. She

thought of her phone.

She reached to her pocket, and to her joy she

found it was still there. “What if Arden still has her

phone? I can track her on the GPS,” she said aloud.

Alex’s fingers immediately got to work.

She didn’t know exactly what she was doing,

but at that moment in time, she felt like she could fly.

Alex discovered Arden’s location; it was through the

wall of the beach room.

She opened a door which she found on a far

side. When she entered, she saw Arden tied down and

lying on a table. A man with two surgical knives was

headed straight toward Arden. He was going to kill her!

CHAPTER 24

Arden awoke, scared out of her mind.

Insidiously, panic grew inside of her. She was barely

breathing. She looked around only to find her hands

and feet cuffed to a table. Her mouth was gagged with

a rag, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t

move.

She looked around the room; obviously, it was

an operation room. The horrific truth struck her: she

was tied down to an operating table! Just then, a man

with big black glasses and wearing a long doctor coat

walked in. In his hands he held two surgical knives.

Arden squirmed in terror, but it did no good.

The man let out a laugh and then slowly came closer

and closer to her, holding the knives, ready to cut into

her flesh. Arden could feel the coldness of the blade

touch her forehead. She closed her eyes, hoping to

wake up from this nightmare.

A loud scream echoed in her ears. She opened

her eyes to find Alex hitting the man on the head with a

hospital pan.

“Arden, are you ok? What were you thinking?

You can never do this to me again, do you hear, or I’ll be

the one who is tying you up,” Alex said as she gently

released Arden.

“A hospital pan, really?” Arden said with a

smirk, but also with complete gratitude, in her voice.

“I know, who knew, right?” Alex said, quoting the movie

Tangled.

Next, Alex helped Arden up from the table and

said, “Come on, we better find Sally and get out of

here.”

Chapter 25

Arden was so confused, plus her head hurt.

However, she noticed a blood splotch on Alex’s hair.

Worry rushed through her. “What’s that?” she asked as

she moved in to touch the spot. Alex winced and

moved away. “It’s just a little cut, I’m fine.”

Alex walked out of the room holding her head.

They entered a strange tunnel where cobwebs and

spiders dangled from the ceiling and a misty stench

filled the air; however, it seemed fake. Arden could tell

that Alex was so focused on getting out that she didn’t

seem to notice. The deeper they got into the tunnel, the

more Arden knew there was something wrong. The

walked they walked, the more strange and weird things

became. Arden trudged on, ignoring her feelings.

Alex stopped dead in her tracks. “Shhh. I can

hear some people,” Alex whispered to Arden. Arden felt

her sickness return. Sweat dripped from the roots of

her hair down onto her face. She glanced

at Alex who seemed perfectly calm. Alex turned to face

her and stated: “On my mark, break down this door.”

CHAPTER 26

Before Arden could speak, Alex had already

broken through the wall. She yanked out her gun, and

pointed it toward the group of people. To Arden and

Alex’s horror, it was just a crowd of teens in Halloween

costumes.

Alex’s felt her face turned beet red. She

couldn’t believe she had just pulled her gun on kids,

teenagers. Arden stood dumfounded with her jaw wide

open.

“Sorry, must be the wrong party,” Alex said,

placing her gun back in its leather holster and putting

both hands up in surrender.

They both slinked toward a table in the corner.

As they moved, Arden pointed to the surgeon that had

hovered over her on the operating table. Reality struck

both of them. This was all some sort of game, a prank.

As they stared at the surgeon as a man came around

behind them. “Aaah!” shrieked Alex as he tapped her

on the shoulder.

“Thanks for bloody nose; can’t you take a joke?”

He pushed past them and walked to another table.

At last, the girls sat down at a table while the room still

glared at them.

“A fun house?” Alex said placing her head in

between her hands. “Rrrr,” she groaned. “Could this

day get any weirder?” This meant they weren’t any

closer to finding Sally; they were once again at a dead

end.

“It’s all a game. None of this was real,” Arden

asked, looking around.

“I can’t believe this. I just shattered a mirror,”

said Alex, “knocked out an unsuspecting man, and drew

my gun on a lot of innocent people.” Alex looked up and

shook her head. “I do not enjoy making an idiot out of

myself.” She hid her head in her hands again, this time

in shame.

Alex felt Arden’s cold hand touch hers. “Maybe

we can speak to the manager,” she suggested. “Surely

he’ll know a thing or two.”

Alex popped her head back up. She nodded and

the two headed for the back.

CHAPTER 27

They entered a room which was at the back of

the dining center where they saw a man in a detective

costume. He was lying on a table with a knife in his

back. Fake blood gushed from his back onto the floor,

leaving a nasty puddle.

“Um,” Alex said, poking the body, “could you

please come back to life just for a second.” No

movement. She looked at Arden, hoping for advice, but

none came. Arden was totally creeped out; she

couldn’t imagine poking this guy. Her sister was insane.

“Please,” Alex urged. Alex shrugged her

shoulders in defeat. She was getting ready to speak to

Arden when the man popped up. Alex jumped

backwards, gripping onto a desk behind her. A high

pitch squeak left Arden’s mouth. Her heart was beating

a thousand miles per hour and she thought she was

having a mini heart attack.

“What is so important?” the man asked,

annoyed, and then with a bit more concern he added,

“Are you not enjoying yourselves?” He peered at them,

searching for an answer.

Both girls froze in shock, and it took them a

moment to regain their courage.

“Look,” Alex said stepping forward, “we’re

looking for our friend, well a few of our friends. Can you

tell us if they’re here?” She reached inside her leather

jacket and handed him the pictures of the five missing

victims.

He scanned them over before he leaned back in

his chair. “I’ve never seen those women before, but

sometimes a group will go to a storage hanger,” he

suggested. The two exchanged a glance. He spoke again

saying, “Um… I’m sorry are you not happy with your

deluxe package.”

Alex titled her head up, as if something had just

clicked. “I thought that was just for better seating,” she

whispered.

Arden knuckled her on her shoulder. “You did

what?” she whispered angrily.

“I know; it was stupid, plus it cost me five extra

bucks.” Arden shook her head.

“Is that all” he said, “I need to get back to my

job.” He handed them the address to the hanger and

then curled back down into his fetal position.

They left the haunted house as quickly as

possible. Dirty glances flew from all corners of the

room, but the two tried to ignore them.

Once they were outside, Arden spoke, asking,

“Do you think we’ll find anything at the hanger?” It was

already getting dark and by the time they got there, it

would be past 1:00 AM.

“It’s our only lead. We’d be fools not to take it,”

Alex said as she jumped into Spidey and turned on “Eye

of the Tiger.” Arden followed, the song annoyed her,

but she was slowly getting used to it. Plus, after almost

facing death, she was just happy Alex was okay.

CHAPTER 28

They had been driving for about 30 minutes.

Neither one of them spoke. Alex had turned off her

music. Arden surprisingly wished the music would

continue.

“Arden,” began Alex. The sudden noise caused

Arden to jump. “I’m sorry for the way I treated you, you

know when we talked about Sam, and all the things I

said?” Alex said and paused. Arden couldn’t swallow

what she was hearing. Alex’s words showed true

remorse. “It was wrong of me. I thought I was gonna

lose you back there,” confessed Alex as she took a deep

swallow.

She continued, “I couldn’t live with myself if

something…,” but she couldn’t finish. Alex tried to hide

it, but Arden could hear her sister was choked up. She

even thought that she saw a tear slither down her

cheek.

To be honest, she felt the same way. The things

they fought about, the things they always fought about

seemed so little and stupid now. Being tied down,

unable to move, was the most terrifying thing Arden

had ever been through.

To be honest, there was nothing that came

close to the feeling of relief when she saw Alex coming

to save her. “Me too,” Arden whispered quietly. She

felt Alex glance at her, and then as if to completely

change the subject, Alex mocked and added, “The

motor cycle I got you was pretty awesome. You’re just

so stupid you didn’t notice.” Arden laughed at the

sudden change in the mood.

“Well, you’re the jerk that that never shuts up,”

Arden said as she flicked Alex in the ear. Alex smiled,

but continued driving. Arden loved Alex, even the way

she could always find humor in anything. Even if what

they might uncover at the Hanger could be devastating.

CHAPTER 29

They arrived at the hanger a few minutes after

their little chat. Alex reached behind her seat and

pulled out two small flashlights. She waved one at

Arden before tossing it to her. “We’ll need these,” she

said as she jumped out of the car. Alex gave Arden a

concerned stare while she strolled to the gate.

Fencing enclosed the whole hanger area; it was

locked up tight with chains and padlocks. Alex paced

back and forth for a bit, scanning the fence and its

surroundings. Without further hesitation, she jumped

on the gate and climbed over to the other side. She

truly looked like Spider-man climbing a wall.

“Piece of cake,” she said through the chain link

fence. Smiling, she threw her hands to her hips. She

nodded her head and motioned for Arden to do the

same.

Arden rubbed her stomach nervously. She

hadn’t done this since she was little. How was she

supposed to magically do it again after all these years?

She sighed and gently placed her foot in the weave of

the chain link. She took a deep breath and climbed.

She could sense Alex secretly laughing at her.

Arden admitted to herself that she must look ridiculous

mumbling, “Alex just jumps over the fence as if it’s

nothing, and here I am, taking my sweet time.” She

finally reached the top. Slowly, she swung her leg over.

“Can you go any slower?” Alex prodded. Arden

looked down to see Alex shaking her head. Arden knew

she was out of practice, but she also realized they had

to get moving, so she climbed down a little faster and

jumped to the bottom.

Alex chuckled as she passed her on her way to a

building. Arden relentlessly followed. She was sore

from being tied up, but finding Sally was the only thing

that mattered right now. Arden would find her

whatever the cost.

CHAPTER 30

While they crept through the empty hanger,

their flashlights lit up the darkness surrounding them.

Arden stumbled along, feeling sick to her stomach. She

wondered if she would ever get the hang of this.

Alex moved cautiously. She held her gun

straight in front of her, her flashlight held underneath

her weapon. Arden could tell Alex was trying to act

strong, but she knew Alex was also pretty shaken up

over what had happened. She kept Arden in her sight.

Arden vaguely remembered Alex thanking God in the

car for keeping them safe.

Once again, Arden’s mind had drifted, but when

Alex stopped dead in her tracks, Arden strained to see

why Alex didn’t move. Arden had no idea what was

going on. She couldn’t move, no matter how hard she

tried because fear had gotten the best of her.

“If Alex is scared, I should be terrified,” she

thought. She sneakily glanced around the empty

hanger. She saw nothing, nothing but the darkness of

the night.

“There’s nothing here,” said Alex, finally taking

a deep breath and turning to face her sister, “nothing at

all, just another dead end.” Alex muttered the last part.

Arden could tell Alex had no idea what to do. They had

been there three days, and they were no closer to

finding Sally than the first day.

Arden began feeling a pit in her stomach.

Hopelessness weaseled itself inside her. Even the police

couldn’t find these girls, and they had been searching

for a month. How could she and Alex expect to come in

and find them in only a few days? They were amateurs,

newbies, beginners. Arden felt as if she was drowning,

her oxygen being yanked from her.

“It’s hopeless,” Arden whispered, looking down,

enraged that those words even came out of her mouth.

Alex looked up at her with a start; she could sense

Arden’s disapproval. Arden glanced up again only to

find Alex smiling down at her.

This made Arden furious. How can she be

smiling? Sally was out there and here’s her clumsy,

movie addict, sister smiling. It took everything in her to

refrain from punching Alex as hard as she could. Alex

walked toward her, and she knelt down, grinning kindly.

“Arden, you’re my big sister, and I love you, but

stop being such a drama queen,” she said as she stood

right back up and glanced around the hanger once

more.

Alex placed her hands on her hips and calmly

stated, “We should go back to square one. Let’s head

to the hotel and rethink what we know.” She headed

toward the exit gate, seemingly calm and collected.

Alex turned around to check on Arden, who still

hadn’t moved and said, “Come on, you lazy one, get

over here. If you want to help Sally, you need to learn

to persevere. To keep moving forward no matter what

obstacles are in your way.” For the first time, Arden

finally realized Alex had grown up. She truly did care

what happened to Sally, and she was going to do

whatever it took to find her.

Arden stared back at her sister, still unable to

digest all the events of the day. Alex turned around. At

the gate once more, she flew around and darted away,

running for her life.

CHAPTER 31

Alex rushed past Arden, screaming at her,

“Move it!” Arden turned just in time to see three

Doberman pincers racing toward them, snarling and

barking.

Arden fled as fast as she could. Amazed at how

fast she could actually run, she passed Alex, who was

heading toward the other gate. The three dogs were

right on their tail. Arden didn’t dare look back. Their

barking and howling was getting closer and closer. Her

heart was pounding so hard it hurt. As she ran, sweat

covered her face and stung her eyes.

She reached the fence and without hesitation

leaped over to the other side. Surprisingly, the sound of

barking and growling was now far away from her.

Unfortunately, the dogs were chasing Alex

around in a circle. She looked petrified, and she was

breathing so heavily Arden thought Alex would pass

out. Still, it was a hilarious sight to watch.

Escaping the dogs, Alex leaped over the fence,

falling straight on her back. She was so exhausted she

couldn’t speak, her face quite covered in sweat, and

she was red all over, but she was safe. Arden couldn’t

hold it in any longer; she burst out laughing. She gave

in to her laughter because Arden had never seen Alex

that whipped.

Alex glared at her briefly because she was too

tired. She tried to stand but fell to her hands and knees.

Arden couldn’t stand either; she was laughing too hard.

When they reached Spidey, Arden’s tears were

streaming down. She could tell Alex was embarrassed,

and Arden felt bad for laughing, but she just couldn’t

stop. Then she realized that Alex didn’t seem to mind

too much. “Maybe Alex wants me to be happy,”

thought Arden randomly, “and she purposely trapped

herself with the dogs just for my entertainment.”

They drove off in the car heading toward their

hotel. The ride was a quiet one, and the two of them

thought the same things: where is Sally? Is she still

alive?

CHAPTER 32

When they arrived at the hotel, Arden went

straight to bed. Although the day had been long and

terrifying, Alex couldn’t sleep. She rested her back

against the headboard.

Different emotions surrounded her. “All this

time I have been trying to be brave and strong for

Arden, yet I was horrified. When we were at the hanger

I could barely breathe, I was so scared. At the fun

house, my hands trembled with fear,” Alex mused.

She thought about Sally and what could have

possibly happened to her. “She could be dead!”

thought Alex, wanting to think the best, but, at this

point losing hope momentarily.

She reached in her pocket and pulled out her

phone. Her fingers glided over the contacts list. She

wanted so badly to call for back-up. They needed their

parents’ help. At the same time, Alex knew better. Her

parents were busy on their own case. She sighed and

placed the phone back where it belonged.

She glanced at Arden, who was sleeping. She

was shivering from the cold air streaming out of the

vent. Quietly, Alex took her blanket and placed it over

Arden’s body. With nothing better to do, she whipped

out her computer.

The light from the computer screen reflected in

her eyes. She read about the theatre. It had originally

been a part of the Underground Railway and was,

therefore, packed with secret tunnels. Her eyes

widened as she read more. Movie Kingdom held a

charity there twice every week.

She swung her jacket over her shoulder. Alex

flipped the light switch on. When the room

immediately lit up, Arden moaned from the sudden

burst of light. Alex didn’t care.

Alex shook Arden until she knew she could hear

her. Protractedly, Alex spoke: “Arden, I …know …where

Sally is.”

CHAPTER 33

Their feet carried them quickly out of the hotel

and into Alex’s car. Arden was in a fog from sleeping,

but she was slightly embarrassed to ask what was going

on. She had no idea what Alex could have found, but

whatever it was, Alex was dead set on it.

She looked at Alex. She was so concentrated,

it was almost frightening. She scowled at everything.

Her eyebrows were narrow. She didn’t turn on any

music or state some random movie reference. Arden

was scared.

“So where are we going?” Arden asked as

casually as possible.

Alex turned to her, almost annoyed and said, “I

can’t believe we didn’t think about this; you’re the

smart one.” Arden felt offended by the comment but

listened to Alex’s words.

“The theatre, it all started there, everything,”

she spoke, pausing, making sure she had Arden’s full

attention. “The website says it’s only open on Friday’s

and Saturday’s. All the other days are given up for a

charity.”

Arden, completely confused, asked, “So what?

There are a lot of charities. That doesn’t matter.” Alex

shrugged, obviously annoyed and slightly angry.

“Look, Sherlock, the charity is Movie Kingdom,”

voiced Alex, “sound familiar? That’s Sally’s job. You

can’t tell me that’s not a coincidence. Plus, there are

tons of secret passageways in the theatre.”

Arden, still confused, studied her sister’s face.

It was starting to make more sense. “What do you

mean, there are secret passageways? Wouldn’t they

have closed them all up by now?”

Alex sighed, frustrated. “Look! You’ve got to

trust me on this one. I know this is it.”

Arden held her thoughts. She wasn’t sure she

could trust Alex, but it was the only thing that could

possibly make sense. Besides, her instincts told her the

same thing.

CHAPTER 34

They arrived at the theatre at around 4:00 AM.

Alex readied her guns whereas Arden gripped her knives

tightly. When they reached the entrance, Arden stood

watch while Alex picked the lock. They crept through

the abandoned theatre.

Left-over popcorn littered the floor and the

smell of cotton candy filled the air. They held their flash

lights tightly and Alex laid her other hand gently on her

gun, ready to draw. They both kept alert ready for

anything.

There was nothing in any of the main theatres

or in any of the balconies. Arden wondered if Alex

hadn’t really found anything new; maybe she had just

made up this new lead to keep their hopes high.

The two went back to the lobby, Arden more

disappointed and hopeless than before. “Alex, give it

up,” she sighed, “we can’t do this. We need help.” Alex

stood in silence, examining the movie posters that

dressed the wall.

Arden sat down on one of the big red chairs and

placed her head in her hands. She didn’t want to give

up. In fact, she had never given up on anything like this

before, but there was nothing they could do. They were

a couple of college kids; what did they think they could

do?

“Alex, … we tried,” Arden said in a calm tone.

She didn’t want to quit, but she just didn’t know

what to do next. Alex’s head dropped, as she stared at

the floor. “I know there’s still something,” she said,

pausing as she turned to Arden. “I just don’t know

what.” Arden stepped towards her sister, opened her

mouth to speak, but closed it.

She shoved Alex aside and studied a movie

poster. It was the Nancy Drew movie. Arden moved

her fingers along the rim of the picture. She felt a dent

on one side and pushed her finger into it. A loud snap

reverberated.

Alex leaned in closely, helping Arden yank open

a door. A tunnel filled with cobwebs and spiders

appeared. They exchanged a glance; neither one knew

what they had gotten themselves into.

CHAPTER 35

The musty scent of the passageway filled the

air. Arden, who was leading, came across an old,

banged-up, wooden door. Alex tapped her on the

shoulder, motioning for them to go in. Arden did as she

was told but didn’t want to enter the room.

It seemed cleaner than the tunnel, but the smell

was worse. Decay and filth surrounded them. Alex

moved her arm over her nose to cover the stench.

Arden stood still as she examined the room.

She shined her flashlight around the room. In the

corner she noticed a closet and near the closet, there

was no dust.

She coughed quietly to catch Alex’s attention.

Arden nodded her head in the direction of the closet.

Just then they heard a low, muffled cry. Quick

strides carried them to the closet where Alex posed

along one side of the door and drew her gun. She held it

up to her face. Arden had targeted the door handle and

readied to fling it open whenever Alex commanded.

Alex nodded her head in a rhythm counting softly,

“One, two, three!”

Arden whooshed the door open. Immediately,

Alex hopped in front of the door way, gun and flashlight

pointing into the room.

Huddled in the corner five girls cowered in

tears, terrified.

CHAPTER 36

Tape sealed the girls’ mouths shut and their

hands were tied behind their backs. They weren’t hurt,

as far as Arden and Alex could see, only scared.

However, they all reeked of sweat and filth.

Arden and Alex walked toward them. Alex

placed her gun back in the holster and drew out her

knife to untie the girls while Arden dropped to her

knees in front of Sally. Sally let out a weak yelp of

gladness. The two old friends embraced. Arden looked

up at Alex, who had finished untying the last girl.

“Thank….you…so…much…,” was all Sally could

mutter through choked tears. Arden tried to calm her.

Alex was comforting the others as well. Arden stared at

Alex: she was so kind and caring. Tears fell down

Arden’s cheeks, and she was barely able to hold it

together, but not Alex. Alex was strong. Alex held the

girls’ hands, caressing them and saying calming words

like, “You’re safe,” “No one’s going to hurt you,” and

“We’re gonna get you home.”

Arden hadn’t realized how tender-hearted Alex

was until that moment. Arden looked at Sally, who had

finally caught her breath. “It’s good to see you, mate,”

Arden said with a smile.

“We need to leave,” Alex said, startling them.

Alex helped the girls up as she spoke. “We

can’t,” she added, “stay here; these girls have to get

out, and we need to call the cops...” Before she could

finish, they heard footsteps coming through the

passageway.

CHAPTER 37

The kidnappers had returned. Alex immediately

moved in front of the group and yanked the closet door

shut, but it was too late. Two figures, enraged, saw

them and ran toward them.

Alex caught a glimpse of their faces: it was Bill

and Edith Peterson! She faced Arden in utter shock and

disbelief.

Alex yelled back, “We’ve got to get these girls

out of here!”

“What about the Petersons?” Sally questioned.

Confused by the questions, Alex shook her

head. Sally spoke again saying, “They’re in the corner.”

Alex tilted her head slightly to peer out a crack in the

door. Sure enough, they were there.

“I guess the jig is up,” a gruff voice said. “Alex,

Arden, I know you’re in there,” he spoke sternly. “Tell

you what. I’ll let these innocent girls go if we can have a

little chat.” He spat his words at them.

“Sally, get the Petersons and the others out of

here.” Alex ordered.

Alex and Arden exchanged a last glance. They

both knew what they had to do. They opened the door,

giving themselves up.

CHAPTER 38

Sally and the others ran up the stairs, leaving

the four behind. Alex and Arden evenly spaced

themselves out; Alex had Edith, and Arden had Bill.

“This was too easy,” the man stated, walking

around Edith and holding his dagger to one side. “All I

had to do was dangle some bait in your way, and here

you come.”

“Who are you?” Alex broke in. She hated being

taunted, and she disliked whoever was doing it even

more.

“I’m surprised you don’t remember me. I’m

even…hurt,” he said as his words slithered like a snake

off his tongue.

“Alex, I am disappointed. I thought for sure you

would recognize him,” he continued as he pointed to

Edith, and then nodded his head. Edith reached her

hand under her neck, yanking off the mask. It wasn’t a

woman at all. It was Sam. Betrayal washed over Alex,

causing her to stumble, almost crumbling to her knees.

His eyes were no longer kind and trusting, but dark and

evil.

The older man laughed insultingly. Then, he

unveiled his true identity by saying one small phrase,

“Run, run as fast as you can. You can’t catch me. I’m the

scar-faced man.”

Alex glared at him. Swiftly, she turned to

Arden, who looked like she’d been shot in the chest.

Arden crumbled, dropping to her knees.

Alex darted for her, but was stopped by Sam’s

cold, wicked hand pulling her back into his arms. He

wrapped his arms around her and placed his head on

her shoulder. He whispered things in her ears, taunting

her.

Scar Face slithered to Arden, circling her like a

vulture ready to devour his prey. Arden couldn’t move.

Alex kicked and jerked trying to pull herself away from

Sam, but he only tightened his grip, making it difficult to

breathe.

“Arden, Arden, Arden. I dare say, I can’t believe

you fell for it,” he ridiculed, circling her. “I thought for

sure you would be finished, but you had to do it. You

just had to save poor, old Sally,” he gurgled, leaning in

close to Arden’s ear as he whispered the venomous

words.

“Sam, this isn’t you!” Alex butted in. She

couldn’t take any more. She couldn’t believe her eyes.

“Oh, yeah?” he growled back. He sliced her

belly with the blade of his knife. Astonished, she

screamed in pain, only to be punched in the stomach by

Scar Face.

“I’m afraid we must be going,” he growled as he

ran toward the stairs. Sam threw Alex to the ground,

causing her to groan once more. She faced him,

sadness consuming her like a disease. He ran to the

stairs, unmoved by the gesture.

As they reached the top of the stairs, Scar Face

turned around. “You can’t catch me. I’m the scar-faced

man”… he shouted once more, adding, “and your

parents seemed to have forgotten that.” Alex flew up,

at these words.

She looked at Sam. He chuckled while she

listened to him spit, “Your parents are as good as dead.”

He added cruelly, “They vanished into the darkness. No

trace. No sign. No nothing.”

CHAPTER 39

Arden was so shaken up, she missed half of

what happened next. Flash backs of police and

ambulances appeared in her mind. She remembered

seeing families reunite and knowing Sally was safe and

sound once more. She recalled the EMT’s stitching up

Alex and the police taking her statement. Arden

remembered it all. They were back in Alex’s Cadillac

and going well over the speed limit down the highway,

but nothing mattered.

She was relieved to see Sally safe once more,

but Scar Face was back. Recalling the last time she saw

him, she closed her eyes tightly as tears flowed freely

down her cheeks.

+++

She stood face to face with Scar Face. It was

Steven and her that time. Steven had done everything

she had ever asked of him; he was a good friend. Arden

loved him, his sarcastic jokes, and the way he

understood her. She had wanted more than anything

to bring Scar Face to justice. Arden wanted to prove to

her family that she was good enough, a good spy.

Stephen and Arden poised against Scar Face.

She remembered steading her gun, ready to pull the

trigger when out of nowhere a flash of light and a puff

of smoke exploded in the room. She couldn’t see

straight and she felt herself fading into sleep, but she

fought it.

Coming out of a daze, she saw two blurry

figures a few feet in front of her. One was Scar Face

and the other was Steven! Scar Face held him tightly, a

gun to Steven’s head, daring her to shoot him. Arden

could only see blurry shapes, but she decided to take

the shot.

She steadied her gun and fired three times. A

horrific laugh filled the air. To her horror, she saw Scar

Face standing there, tall and unharmed. Steven lay on

the ground, motionless. She ran to him and threw

herself over the body, sobbing uncontrollably. Then

Scar Face bent down and whispered his famous words.

+++

“Arden? Arden snap out of it,” interrupted

Alex’s words, yanking her out of the past. She hadn’t

realized how long they had been on the road. Arden

looked at Alex, hoping she had some answers, but then

she remembered Sam. She knew it had to hurt more

than anything in the world.

“They’ve got Mom and Dad, so I’m going after

them,” Alex announced bleakly. “I can drop you off if

you want, but…”

Arden interrupted, “I don’t care what we do,

but I’m coming with you. We’re going to go after Scar

Face and Sam together.”

The sisters exchanged a sympathetic but

encouraging look. Alex reached her right hand to the

radio to turn on music and pushed the gas pedal as hard

as she could.

About the author

I’ve always loved my stories, high

action books, and movies. I grew up in Papua New Guinea; it’s an island above Australia on the map. We lived there for ten years before returning to the states, which involved a huge learning curve and culture shock, but all the same, my love for mysteries and high action stories grew.

As far as I can remember, I’ve always loved to write. When I was about 6 or 7, I remember writing little short stories and giving them to my mom to read. Even today, I constantly have stories spinning in my mind. Maybe one day they’ll all become a book.

“An action-packed mystery with

great family dynamics.”

–Shawn Smith

The Smith sisters, Arden

and Alex, race against time

to rescue their missing friend

Sally. They endure kidnappings

and a visit from an old enemy.

“Intense, suspenseful; you

won’t put it down.”

–David Smith